Tim Corrie, Chairman of BAFTA, said: “Steven has had an outstanding year with Doctor Who and Sherlock, not to mention the feature film The Adventures of Tintin, and we are delighted to honour his contribution to television and the arts at the BAFTA ceremony on 27 May.

“He is one of the finest exponents of his craft and his Award, presented in honour of the late, great Dennis Potter, is very well deserved indeed.”

Learning of his honour, Moffat said: “Blimey! A Special Award! I didn’t even know I was ill! So thrilled by this – especially after two years of Sherlock and Doctor Who, my two favourite shows ever. Of course the work, and the people I get to work with, has always been all the reward I need – a fact I’m very glad that BAFTA has disregarded.”

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Hosted by comedian Dara O’Briain, the Bafta Television Awards will be broadcast on BBC1 on Sunday 27 May.